Molly's Happy Place Home

My apartment is a tiny (500 square foot) one bedroom in the heart of my favorite neighborhood in Austin. I made location my priority during my apartment search, so I sacrificed a few things like size and amenities. This apartment has been a true testament to the idea that you can make any space a home with the right furnishings, art, and embarrassing amount of tchotchkes.

My home is a happy place for me. I love to display all the things that make me smile- art, books, the aforementioned tchotchkes, flowers, candles, rugs, pillows- all layered together to make my place feel mine. I'm definitely a maximalist, which I guess by definition means that I'm inspired by so many things. I adore Jamie Meares, Emily Henderson, and Justina Blakeney as designers. I'm also inspired by my creative friends and coworkers, the beautiful city of Austin, Wes Anderson movies, and my mama, who has excellent taste.

I've focused on putting together a complete space with a small budget, using mostly Craigslist, Ikea, or sidewalk sales at vintage shops to furnish my place. Anyone who has experienced the joy of a Craigslist deal understands how addicting it is!

My favorite piece of decor is probably the vintage Persian (Craigslisted!) rug in the living room. It's 95 years young and is still as gorgeous as ever. I had the sweetest moment with the previous owner. She, like me, gets a little sad when re-homing decor or furniture items, and she was so relieved that "it was going to a good home." We hugged before I put the rug in my trunk and drove away. Always comforting to meet others in the world that share your specific brand of craziness.